The Man Who Stole 1,300+ Canadian Artifacts

In this episode of Canada Is Boring, Rhys Waters and Jesse uncover the strange true story of John Mark Tillman, an affluent Fall River, Nova Scotia man who stole historical artifacts from universities, museums, libraries, and private collections across Atlantic Canada.

The case came to light after an RCMP officer spotted a rare 1758 letter by General James Wolfe in Tillman’s car. A search of his home revealed a remarkable collection of stolen Canadian artifacts—including rare manuscripts, historical books, artwork, and a first-edition copy of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. The hosts discuss how Tillman’s brazen, opportunistic thefts went undetected for years, the impact on the institutions he targeted, and the troubling details of his criminal history and Nazi memorabilia.

Plus, Rhys and Jesse answer listener messages and share a fact check.

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